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Shocked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shocked

[ʃɒkt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Feeling or showing surprise, disbelief, or dismay.

Synonyms

amazed, astonished, stunned.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shocked

This is commonly used when something unexpected and often unpleasant surprises or disturbs someone.

  • She was shocked to hear the bad news
  • He looked shocked when he found out about the accident
astonished

This word is similar to 'amazed' but often implies a greater degree of surprise and wonder, and can be used for both positive and neutral situations.

  • He was astonished at the beauty of the mountains
  • She was astonished by the news that she had won the lottery
amazed

This word is used when someone is surprised in a positive way, often by something impressive or extraordinary.

  • The audience was amazed by the magician's performance
  • I was amazed at how quickly they finished the project
stunned

This is typically used when someone is so surprised or shocked that they are temporarily unable to react verbally or physically.

  • She was stunned after hearing the unexpected announcement
  • The crowd was stunned into silence

Examples of usage

  • She looked shocked when she heard the news.
  • I was shocked by the sudden change in weather.
  • The audience was shocked by the plot twist in the movie.
Context #2 | Verb

action

Cause (someone) to feel surprised and upset.

Synonyms

jolt, startle, surprise.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shocked

Shocked is used when someone experiences a strong and sudden feeling of surprise, usually due to unexpected news or events. This word often carries a negative connotation.

  • She was shocked to find out she had lost her job.
  • He looked shocked when he heard about the accident.
startle

Startle is used when someone is suddenly surprised or scared by something unexpected. It is usually a quick reaction and often has a slight negative connotation.

  • The loud noise startled the dog.
  • I didn't mean to startle you by coming in so quietly.
jolt

Jolt is often used to describe a sudden, sharp movement. It can also refer to an emotional shock, but it's more physical in nature compared to other words. It may carry a slight negative connotation.

  • The sudden jolt made him nearly drop his coffee.
  • The news gave her a jolt she wouldn't forget.
surprise

Surprise is a general term used for feeling unexpected emotions. It can be positive or negative, depending on the context.

  • Her friends threw a surprise party for her birthday.
  • He opened the box and was surprised to find a gift inside.

Examples of usage

  • The unexpected announcement shocked everyone in the room.
  • She was shocked to hear that her best friend was moving away.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Individuals can experience a 'startle response' when shocked, which is a natural reflex to sudden stimuli.
  • Shock can be both an emotional and physiological reaction, often leading to feelings of confusion and disorientation.
  • In severe cases, shock can result from trauma and may require medical attention due to the body's intense stress response.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'shock and awe' originated from military strategies but has permeated popular culture, often to describe surprising impacts in media.
  • Many movies use shocking plot twists to captivate audiences, making them rethink everything they've seen.
  • Reality TV often relies on shocking moments to create drama and keep viewers engaged.

Literature

  • Classic literature often employs shocking events to develop tension and character reactions, such as in Shakespeare's tragedies.
  • Surprising twists can be found in mystery novels, where the true criminal is revealed in a shocking manner at the end.
  • Modern fiction sometimes utilizes shocks to provoke thought about societal norms and expectations.

Art

  • Artists like Edvard Munch employed shock in their works to convey deep emotional experiences, such as in 'The Scream'.
  • Performance art often aims to shock audiences to provoke strong emotional reactions and discussions.
  • Contemporary art occasionally uses shocking imagery or themes to challenge viewers' perceptions of reality.

Origin of 'shocked'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originated from the Old French 'eschocer,' meaning 'to strike, hit, or punch'.
  • It has roots in the Latin word 'excoctus,' which means 'to cook or boil', reflecting a sudden and intense reaction.
  • Over time, the meaning evolved to encompass emotional and physical responses to unexpected events.

The word 'shocked' originated from the Middle English word 'schokken', meaning to come into contact with something or to shake. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the sense of surprise or disbelief. The use of 'shocked' to describe a strong emotional reaction dates back to the late 16th century.

See also: shock, shocker, shocking, shockingly, shocks.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,918 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.